Press Room

Sen. Evie Hudak Ready to Get to Work as Legislative Session Begins

Wednesday, January 12 2011

Bipartisan Cooperation Needed to Overcome Obstacles

Senator Hudak greeted Chief Justice Michael L. Bender on opening day

(Click here for audio)

DENVER— The Colorado legislature opened its 68th General Assembly today, and Senator Evie Hudak (D-Westminster) is ready to get to work. Sen. Hudak brings a background as an educator and decades of community involvement to the Capitol. She is looking forward to tackling the challenges facing Colorado. Continuing to strengthen Colorado’s economy will be the focus of the 2011 legislative session.

“I’m looking forward to the session, although I expect it to be pretty challenging,” said Sen. Hudak. “We’re going to have to figure out how to continue promoting a strong economy with a tight budget.”

Legislative leaders from both parties spoke about their plans for the session, and they agreed their focus must be supporting policies that bring companies and jobs to Colorado. The majority is held by the Republicans in the House and by Democrats in the Senate, so it will take bipartisan cooperation to restore economic security for the people of Colorado.

As an educator, Sen. Hudak understands the value of a solid education, and she knows businesses are depending on the legislature to provide them with a skilled workforce. State revenues have fallen dramatically, and it will be challenging to pass a balanced budget while protecting services Coloradans expect.  

“We’re also going to have to figure out how we can maintain a quality education, preschool through post-secondary, with the constraints of a tight budget,” said Sen. Hudak.

Today, the Senate was gaveled into session by Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont). Senators, honored guests, and citizens from around the state took part in the ceremonies which included a Color Guard presentation by the University of Colorado Navy ROTC, choral music sung by the Longmont High School Choir, and poetry read by David Mason, Colorado’s poet laureate.  The Senate also elected members of leadership, adopted organizing resolutions, and got to work with the introduction of bills.

About Senator Hudak:

Sen. Hudak worked as an educator for over 20 years, and has worked to ensure Colorado schools meet the needs of students and are accountable to parents. She has worked in many capacities including serving on the PTAs and accountability committees at each of her daughter’s schools, the state PTA Board of Directors, and the State Board of Education. She has successfully passed education reforms, including an alignment of the state’s educational accountability system.